Univision's midseason lineup includes a new weight loss show, "Dale con Ganas," co-produced by the creator of the "Biggest Loser," as well as "El Gran Show de los Peques," a new variety show showcasing childrens' talents.
The Spanish-language network, which aims to beat the English-language broadcasters in total viewers within the next five years, often tops at least one of them in the nightly ratings.
The network is also bringing back the reality/beauty show "Nuestra Belleza Latina"for a sixth season, beginning March 4. Next year will also mark the 50th anniversary of the returning Saturday night show "Sabado Gigante," hosted by Don Francisco.
Here's Univision's midseason announcement:
MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 15, 2011 –The Univision Network, the #2 broadcast network among Adults 18-34, regardless of language, today unveiled midseason line-up, including the premiere of a new weight-loss challenge program from Dave Broome, the creator of “The Biggest Loser,” and Emilio Estefan.
“Dale con Ganas,” hosted by Alfonso ‘Poncho’ de Anda, co-host of Univision’s top rated morning program “Despierta América” (Wake-Up America), airs weekly beginning January 11 at 10 p.m. Over the course of three months, Hispanic top trainers María Simón, Marcelo Crudele, Oscar Luna and Luis Alberto Aracena, work with four Hispanic families who will compete, face defeat, succeed and transform their bodies and their lives publicly. The contestants will face weekly weigh-ins, while home viewers interact by emailing their predictions all week long. The 12th and final episode will have the winning finalist receive a grand prize package of $100,000 for the entire family. On “Dale con Ganas” however, each and every family member wins by improving their health and their life. The series is coproduced by Broome’s 25/7 Productions and Estefan Film and Television Productions in collaboration with Univision Studios.
Returning after a successful fifth season, “Nuestra Belleza Latina” comes back to Sunday nights at 8 p.m., beginning on March 4 to once again crown a talented young Latina with the title of “Nuestra Belleza Latina.” Now on its sixth installment, “Nuestra Belleza Latina,” hosted by Giselle Blondet, will deliver full force entertainment by mixing the thrills of reality television with the glitz and glamour of beauty competitions. Renowned beauty coach Osmel Sousa, who also is president of Miss Venezuela and recently won Miss World 2011; Mexico’s former Miss Universe, Lupita Jones; and heartthrob from Univision’s hit novela “Eva Luna,” Julian Gil return as the panel of judges who, along with viewer participation, will determine the finalists. In the grand finale, the contestant with the most votes from viewers will be crowned “Nuestra Belleza Latina” 2012.
Prior to “Nuestra Belleza Latina’s” return, viewers will once again be dazzled by talented children with the new series, “El Gran Show de los Peques.” Following the success of “Pequeños Gigantes,” the young stars return with more singing, dancing, interviews, parodies, acting and lots of laughter. “El Gran Show de los Peques” will air Sundays from 8 p.m. – 10 p.m beginning January 29.
Returning each Saturday night from 8 to 11 p.m. ET/PT, “SabadoGigante,” hosted by the legendary Don Francisco, will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2012, continuing its world record run as the longest running variety show in television history.
At the core of Univision’s primetime schedule will continue to be three hours of one of television’s hottest genres – novelas – airing Monday through Friday at 7, 8 and 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Univision Network will round out its midseason schedule by featuring a mix of new and returning, popular series in the 10 p.m. ET/PT hour. On Mondays, “Don Francisco Presenta…” (Don Francisco Presents) continues to celebrate its 10th season. Award-wining investigative news magazine show “Aqui y Ahora” (Here and Now) hosted by Maria Elena Salinas and Teresa Rodriguez, returns to Tuesdays and hit series “La Rosa de Guadalupe” (The Rose of Guadalupe) will air Thursdays and Fridays. On Sundays, “Sal y Pimienta” (Salt and Pepper) returns for a weekly look at all things in the world of entertainment, hosted by Lourdes Stephen and Rodner Figueroa.
